Craftsman 917.249890 Owner's manual

Brand: Craftsman

Model: 917.249890

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

917249890

Owner's Manual

IC:P,,nFTSMnN+I

42" Mower

GRASS CATCHER

Model No.

917.249890

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions

before operating this

equipment.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers AI_

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

I. GENERALOPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual

and on the machine before starting

Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the

instructions, to operate the machine.

Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.

Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point

it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the

entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

Slow down before turning.

Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn

off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys

before dismounting.

Turn off blades when not mowing.

Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging

chute.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

Do not operate the machine while under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.

Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into

a trailer or truck.

Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are

involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related

injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to

operate the riding mower safely enough to protect

themselves and others from serious iniury.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-

up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do

not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris

which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel

spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow

machine to cool before storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and

tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.

All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the

slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

Mow up and down slopes, not across.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed, Choose a low gear so thatyou willnot have

to stop or shift while on the slope.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.

These can change the stability of the machine.

Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand gradual Do not

make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down

the slope.

DO NOT:

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Donotmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The

mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge

of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause

sliding.

Do not try tostabilize the machine by putting your foot on the

ground.

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

IlL CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the

presence of children. Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that

children will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful

care of another responsible adult.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously

injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

Never allow children to operate the machine.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They

are flammable and vapors are explosive.

Use only an approved container.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not

smoke.

Never refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

there is an open flame, such as a water heater.

Never run a machine inside a closed area.

Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight

and keep equipment in good condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.

Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.

Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,

and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow

objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and

replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when

necessary.

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or

wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as

required.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.

Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Never carry passengers or children even with the blades

off.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always

look down and behind before and while backing.

Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously

injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under the

watchful care of another responsible adult.

Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

Before and when backing, look behind and down for small

children.

Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could

overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope.

Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,

disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down

the slope.

If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift

into reverse and back down slowly.

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn

slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAU-

TION!!! BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in

neutral, you may lose control of the

tractor.

CAUTION: Tow only the attachments

thatare recommended byand comply

with specifications ofthe manufactu-

rer of your tractor. Use common

sense when towing. Operateonlyat

the lowest possible speed when on a

slope. Too heavy of a load, while on

a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose

traction with the ground and cause

you to lose control of your tractor.

CAUTION: In order to prevent

accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making

repairs, always disconnect spark plug

wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithasbeen designed, engineered and manufactured to give

you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/

department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To orde r,see

repair parts section of this manual.

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8

OPERATION .................................................................. 9

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 10

STORAGE ................................................................... 10

WARRANTY ................................................................ 10

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13

KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS

CATCH ER.Compare the illustrations with the carton contents tofamiliarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly.

Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to

prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes,

which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields before starting your tractor and while mowing. We recommend a wide

vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.

• Check carton contents against list. Besureall parts are

there.

CARTON CONTENTS:

(3) ContainerTops

(3) Container Bottoms

(1) UpperChute

(1) LowerChute

(1) Support Assembly

(1) Cover Assembly

(2) Shoulder Bolts

(1) Retainer Spring

PARTS IDENTIFICATION

COVER

ASSEMBLY

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(t) 9/16" Wrench

SUPPORT

ASSEMBLY

SHOULDER

BOLTS

FULL

BAGGER

INDICATOR

CHUTE LATCH

UPPER CHUTE

GRASS

CATCHER

CONTAINERS

LOWER CHUTE

ATTACHING

STRAPS

NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on thetractor,

in the operator's position.

CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:

• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position,

Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position,

Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot come in contact with

plug,

BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

(See Figs. 1A & 1B)

Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of the

drawbar. Using the same holes, installthe shoulder bolts

supplied and tighten securely.

REMOVE AND DISCARD

UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL

SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED

DRAWBAR

FIG. 1A

2. Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and

hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.

3. Be sure support assembly isseated properly and secure

with retainer spring supplied.

SHOULDER

BOLTS

SUPPORT"**'_

FIG. 1B

MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO

SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)

NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the

assistance of another person for mounting cover assembly

to tractor.

1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as

shown.

2. Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support

assembly tubes.

3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes,

COVER

ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT

• _ ASSEMBLY

5 FIG. 2

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)

1. Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.

2. Place one foot insidebottom half and lifttop halftomeet

bottom half.

3. Press halves tightlytogether while liftingtop tolockinto

place as shown.

IMPORTANT: BEFORE LOCKING THE TABS, HOOKED

EDGES ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM

SEAL AS SHOWN IN INSET.

4. Repeat for othercontainers.

CONTAINER

BOTTOM

HALF

NER

TOP

CONTAINER

BOTTOM

HALF

PRESS TOGETHER

TO FORM SEAL

WHILE LIFTING

TOP HALF

LOCKING

TAB

ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower half of con-

tainer and check that there is no gap between upper and

lower halves. If a gap appears, unlock tabs to separate

container halves and repeat instructions above.

FIG. 3

CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)

1. Install one container to left side first with warning to

outside of unit. Install another container to center

position and one in right position.

NOTE: Right container should always overlap leftcontainer

at center supports.

2. Close cover and lock latch handles over center support

tubes.

COVER LATCH

HANDLES

i,' ,

CONTAINER

WARNING

CENTER

TUBES

CONTAINER

HANDLE

CONTAINER

WARNING

FIG. 4

LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)

No hardware required

1. Lower mower deck to itslowest cutting position.

2. With your right hand, raise and hold deflector shield in

uprightposition.

3. With your left hand, hold lower chute as shown and

positionlower rearedge ofchute between gauge wheel

brackettaband mower housing•Align"B"on lowerchute

extended edge with "B" on mower housing.

4. Withyour righthand, pushfirmly onthe lower chute until

theextended edge slidesunderthe deflector shieldand

along side the hinge bracket as shown.

5. Withchuteinproperposition, holdthechutesecurely, so

itdoes notmove, whilehookingtherear and front latches

to the mower deck.

NOTE: While hooking the latches, the deflector shield may

try to push the chute away from the mower deck opening. It

is important to hold the chute in position while hooking the

latches to the mower deck.

• Ifyour tractor isequipped withgage wheels on the deck,

then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch into the

hole in the R.H. gage wheel bracket.

CAUTION: Do not remove discharge I

guard from mower. Raise and hold guard

when attaching lower chute and allow it

to rest on chute while in operation.

OPTIONAL

GAUGE_

WHEEL

AND

BRACKET

LOWER REAR EDGE

BETWEEN GAUGE WHEEL

BRACKET TAB AND

MOWER HOUSING

ALIGN CHUTE"B"

WITH MOWER"B"

\ \ PUSHIN

EXTENDED EDGE "B"

Must be under deflector shield

and along side the hinge bracket

DEFLECTOR SHIELD

HINGE BRACKET

FIG. 5

R.H. GAGE

WHEEL

BRACKET

WITH

GAGE WHEELS

REAR LATCH

DEFLECTOR

SHIELD

WITHOUT

GAGEWHEELS

REAR LATCH

FRONT

LATCH

UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 6A & 6B)

1. Lower mower deck to its lowest cutting position.

2. Assemble upperchute byinsertingcurvedend intohole

in back of cover.

NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger

indicator.

Push in and turn upper chute until it is in line with lower

chute.

Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots on

upper chute and slide together.

Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over

latch pin.

FULL BAGGER

UPPER INDICATOR HANDLE

CHUTE _ _ _2_.

COVER ,_,

LEVEL MOWER DECK

Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor-

mance. See your tractorsowner's manual for instructions.

FIG. 6A

LOWER

CHUTE

ALIGNMENT

LATCH PIN

FIG. 6B

TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING OPERATION:

Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor

owner's manual.

When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass

and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are

picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long

periods of time. The amount collected and the total time of

operation may be greater than you will experience with

regular use of your grass catcher.

Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.

Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting

performance, good quality cut and good bagging perfor-

mance.

NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit

your conditions.

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The

first time relatively high, the second time to desired

height.

Use left hand side of mower for trimming.

• Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher

containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the

plastic trash bags when full:

a. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.

b. Remove one container atatime by grasping contai-

ner handles and pulling toward the rear, off of the

tube rails.

c. With the container resting on the ground, close and

secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.

d. Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag

from the container.

e. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the

bag draped over upper lip of the Container (for

replacement bags refer to REPLACEMENT

PARTS).

f. Repeat for other containers.

g. Reinstall containers making sure right container

overlaps left container at center supports.

h. Close cover and secure latches over center support

tubes.

• Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew

is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these

conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of

the flow path causing clogging,

• Your bagger isequipped with a full bagger indicator. As

the bags become full, movement of the wheel will slow

down and/or stop, indicating that the bags are full or the

chutes have become clogged. Care should betaken not

to damage the parts and that the wheel spins freely atthe

beginning of each use.

• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,

it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the

system or that the grass catcher containers are full.

Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of the

full bagger indicator.

a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the

parking brake and stop the engine.

- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.

- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.

- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.

b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.

- Remove all debris in chutes.

- Reassemble and latch chutes

c. Checktoinsure full bagger indicator has not become

clogged.

- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.

Gently insert a small twig or wire into passage-

way to clear.

CAUTION

• Do not operate mower with grass catcher

partially installed.

• Disengage blades and stop engine before

leaving tractor seat toempty containers, unclog-

ging chutes, etc.

• Close cover before starting.

• Disengage mower when crossing driveways

or gravel surfaces and other areas where thrown

objects could be a hazard.

• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other

potentially hazardous projectiles.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-

nance.

• Before each use check for loose fasteners.

• Clean unit thoroughly after each use,

BLADE CARE

For best resultsmower blades must be kept sharp, Replace

bent or damaged blades.

• See BLADE CARE instructionsin your tractor owner's

manual.

STORAGE

When grass catcher is to bestored for a period of time, clean

it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a

clean, dry place.

CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger

containers. Empty containers after each

use and before storing. Failure to do so

may result in spontaneous combustion

which could develop into a fire.

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY

MAINTENANCE, SERVICE ORADJUST-

MENTS:

• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and set

parking brake.

• Place gearshift/motion control lever in

"NEUTRAL" position.

• Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED"

position.

• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.

• Make sure blades and all moving parts

have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from spark

plug(s) and place wire where it cannot

come ,n contact with plug.

CAUTION: Grass catcher components

are subject to wear, damage and

deterioration, which could expose

moving parts or allow objects to be

thrown. Frequently check components

and replace with manufacturer's

recommended parts, when necessary.

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON

CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment is maintained according to the operating

and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or

workmanship.

This warranty does not cover:

Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as bags or mower blades.

Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to maintain the equipment

according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.

• Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER TO THE NEAREST

SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179

NOTES

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890

REPAIR PARTS

GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890

¢o

KEY PART

NO. NO.

2 69180

3 127533

4 139906

5 126840

6 18021008

7 130933

8 87175

9 19061216

10 7206J

11 STD541810

12 STD551110

13 109808X

14 2029J

15 130760

16 130759

18 162803

20 71161010

21 132796

22 140809

KEY PART

DESCRIPTION NO. NO.

Nut, Crownlock#10-24 23 132983

Screen, Cover 26 4939M

Cover 28 179534

Chute, Upper 29 176997

Screw, Special #10-14xl/2 30 165898

Full Bagger Indicator 31 174083

Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8 32 176990

Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga. 33 128600

Spacer, Split 34 127534

Nut, Acorn #10-24 35 129584

Washer, lock #10 36 129586

Latch, Chute 37 134637

Nut, Weld 38 130895

Latch, Hook 39 155857X500

Rubber, Latch 40 71141008

Chute, Lower 46 74760536

Screw #10-24 x 5/8 Truss Head -- 104419X

Spring, Cover L.H. (black)

Spacer, Cover -- 178269

DESCRIPTION

Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)

Spring, Retainer

Support Assembly

Shoulder Bolt

Spring, Retainer

Plug, Tubing End

Bagger, Frame

Pin, Hinge

Gasket, Cover

Container, Top

Container, Bottom

Seal, Cover

Latch Handle, Cover

Strip, Reinforcement

Screw #10-24 x 1/2

Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 2-1/4

Bag, 3.0 mil. 30 Gallon

Trash (not included with bagger)

Owner's Manual

NOTES

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!

For repair of major brand appliances in your own home...

no matter who made it, no matter who sold it!

1-800-4-MY-HOME _ AnyOne,dayornight

(1-800-469-4663) (U.S.A.and Canada)

www.sears.com _,_,vw.seal_.ca

For repair of carry-in products like vacuums, lawn equipment, and

electronics, call for the nearest Sears Parts and Repair Center.

1-800-488-1222 AnyOne,dayornight(U.S.A.on;y)

w.sears.cOlll

Forthe replacement parts, accessories and owlqer'smanuals

that you need to do-it-yourself,call Seam PartsDirectSM!

1-800-366-PART 6a.m.- 11p.m., 7days aweek

(1-800-366-7278) (U.S.A.only)

www.sears.com/_irect

To purchase or inquireabout a Sears ServiceAgreement

or Sears Maintenance Agreement:

1-800-827-6655 (u.s._) 1-800-361-6685 (Canada)

7 a.m.- 5 p.m.,CST, Mort.- Sat. 9a,m.- 8 p.m.EST,M- F,4 p.m. Sat.

Parapedirsewiciode reparaci6na

domidlio,ypara ordenar piezas:

1-888-SU-HOGARsM

(1-888-784-6427)

Au Canadapourserviceen _:

1-800-LE-FOYER Mc

(1-800-533-6937)

_NWV.seals.ca

H°meCentral®J

® Registered Trademark / TMTrademark / SM Serwce Mark of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

® Mama Registrada / TMMarca de Fabrica / SMMarca de Servicio de Sears, Roebuck and Co.

McMarque de commerce / MOMarque deposee de Sears, Roebuck and Co.

178269 Rev. 3 08.06.01 rad Printed in U.S.A.

Craftsman 917.249890 Owner's manual

Brand: Craftsman

Model: 917.249890

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

917249890

Download PDF

report

Craftsman 917.249890 Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Craftsman 917.249890 Owner's manual

Related papers

Other documents